Used in our 12° North Industries BIG-3 WIRE KIT 8 Gauge, 4 Gauge, - 1/0 Gauge OFC Power Wire is a premium-quality wire available by the foot and is perfect for high-performance 12v battery installations. The wire is made of Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC), ensuring maximum conductivity and signal transfer.
It is available in various vibrant colors such as Red, Black, White, Silver, Orange.
Why Wire Gauge Does Matter
Electrical Load & Amperage: Wire gauge determines how much current it can safely carry. A stock alternator (80–130 amps) doesn’t demand much, but a high-output alternator (220–400 amps) can overwhelm factory wiring
High-output alternator + stock wire = bottleneck; you won’t see the full benefit.
Voltage Drop: Undersized wire creates resistance, which reduces charging efficiency. This means your battery and accessories may not receive the full benefit of your alternator upgrade
Heat & Safety: Smaller wires under heavy load can overheat, melt insulation, or even cause fires
1/0 AWG = best choice for high-output alternators, especially if you’re running winches, off-road lighting, or aftermarket audio
The Power of Real Copper
At 12° North Industries, we use only 100% pure oxygen free copper (OFC) cables, unlike the inferior Copper Clad Aluminum (CCA) alternatives. Here’s why:
- Enhanced Conductivity: Real copper provides superior power in voltage transfer
- Compact Efficiency: Delivers maximum performance without needing bulky or oversized wires
- Long-Term Reliability: Pure copper cables resist wear and deliver consistent power over a longer time ensuring a far lower failure rate
Why Avoid CCA?
CCA cables have flooded the market and may be cheaper, but they compromise on efficiency and durability. They were also initially offered for specifically watercraft and marine applications to counter extreme oxidation situations.
To match the performance of our OFC cables, CCA wires must be two sizes larger—making them harder to run under carpet or through bulkheads due to a bulkier sizing and that adds to less reliable installations.